Known as the City of Pines and Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City is a premier tourist destination and home to a vibrant community of over 366,000 residents. Beyond its cool climate and scenic beauty, Baguio is also known for its strong commitment to sustainability and progress, with its local government consistently championing projects aimed at creating a livable, inclusive, and creative environment for its Baguio 2043 vision.
Helping to illuminate this vision is no other than the world leader in lighting, Signify. Together, Signify and the Baguio LGU have embarked on a transformative lighting project that not only enhanced the city’s visual charms but also propelled significant progress across various sectors.
In an interview with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the LGU was using traditional streetlights and was paying P4.9 million a month. But when they made the switch from high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) to low-wattage LED lights, not only did it generate significant savings for Baguio, but it also resulted in more safety and security for people due to better illumination.
“Ang naging vision namin, Baguio 2043 — a liveable, inclusive, and creative Baguio,” Mayor Magalong shared. “When we transitioned to LED, mas maliwanag pa…ang binabayaran nalang natin (ay) umaabot ng P1.5 to P1.6 million as compared sa P4.8 million. Ang savings namin is around P30+ million a year sa lighting pa lang,” he added.
The impact of Philips lighting solutions extends beyond simply making streets brighter. It also lights the way to meaningful progress on tourism, public safety, good governance, and the city’s overall environmental footprint.
Glowing Reviews from Tourists
Baguio’s picturesque views, bustling night markets, and city activities added another layer of attraction with the help of reliable and appealing lighting. Councilor Rocky Aliping shared: “There was really an improvement of the street lighting systems in the City of Baguio…Look at Session Road, look at Harrison Road; that’s why we have our night market. Kaya yun po ang mga gustong gusto ng mga turista na puntahan.”
Visitors have also taken notice, describing a better experience with just a touch of the power of effective lighting. “This is my second time roaming around the Baguio Night Market,” shared Sophia, a Balikbayan tourist. “And the first time I went here, it was not well-lighted. So I think it’s better na ganito siya kaliwanag. Kasi mas maayos siya and better experience siya for consumers.”
Local businesses also felt the benefits of the improved lighting system. Lighting, while often overlooked, holds a profound power to transform experiences and environments, making them better. “You’re not going to say, ‘I want to go to Baguio because of beautiful lighting,’ shared Eric V. Angeles, President of El Cielito Hotel Baguio. “You want to go to Baguio because not only is it cool, it’s beautiful, but I feel safe there. And subconsciously, lighting is the reason why,” he added.
Lighting the Way to Safety
A well-lit city creates a sense of safety and security, which is why improved illumination has played a crucial role in deterring criminal activity and fostering a greater sense of protection among residents and visitors alike.
PMAJ Roger Kurt Pacificar, Station Commander of Police Station 7 said: “So napakalaking bagay po yan na kapag maliwanag, is talagang magdadalawang-isip yung mga kriminal. ”
Mayor Magalong corroborated this, highlighting a significant decrease in crime incidents. Comparing its numbers in 2019 vs. 2025, the city has reported a reduction of about 53% in crime incidents. The increased visibility also encourages people to walk even past daylight and fosters more vibrant activities such as the famed city night markets.
Shining the Light on Good Governance
The Baguio LGU’s commitment to good governance and efficient resource management is the cornerstone of its operations. The partnership with Signify, in particular, reflects a meticulous approach to ensuring public funds are utilized effectively for the highest quality outcomes.
“One of the things we are proud of here in Baguio is that there is no corruption,” Mayor Magalong shared. “That’s why our principle of good governance is very strong. And you have to make sure also that there’s due diligence in choosing the right brand.”
“We have to make sure that our suppliers are so aligned with our principle of good governance as well. “That’s why for me, I would rather go for Philips because we have already tested it,” he added.
The consistent quality and reliability of Signify’s Philips brand played a crucial role in the LGU’s decision. With this, Signify also underscores its commitment to providing innovative, sustainable lighting solutions that genuinely contribute to urban development and the well-being of communities. The project in Baguio indeed serves as a powerful testament to how intelligent lighting can foster progress and create a better future.
The Signify Promise
Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, Country Leader for Professional Business at Signify Philippines, also echoed the same sentiment: “Taxpayers’ money is sacred, it is hard-earned. This drives us to win the trust of the government and the Filipino people. Given this, Signify works hard to execute LGU lighting projects right the first time. All of us at Signify owe this promise to everyone, and we are committed to working hard to keep this pledge.”
Looking ahead, Signify remains committed to providing reliable, energy-efficient, and future-ready lighting solutions across the Philippines. The story of Baguio City is a shining example of how, through collaboration and innovation, a city can light its way to a more sustainable and secure future.
